Why Emmys 'Legacy Award' For TV Shows Has Lit Up Internet's Couch Potatoes

Tired of Googling IMDb’s list of “top TV shows” every time someone asks you for a recommendation? The Emmys have brought a fix. The Television Academy recently announced the addition of a new major category, first in nearly two decades, called the Legacy Award. The idea behind the inclusion of the category is simple: recognise and honour TV shows that have had a “profound and lasting impact” on audiences. A show that takes home the Legacy Award must be relevant to society and have a culturally significant imprint among the bingers.

But the annual award category comes with an asterisk. The show may qualify for a Legacy Award only if it meets the minimum criteria laid down by the American television organisation. Naturally, the announcement of

the Legacy Award has got social media chattering with many believing it was high time to finally give iconic shows their flowers to honour them with the recognition they deserve, while others wondered whether shows such as 2019’s highly-rated and critically acclaimed Chernobyl with only five episodes would not cut.

“Honour TV’s Rich History”

The TV shows that have stood the test of time and still engage new audiences are what the Legacy Award is all about.

“The Legacy Award celebrates groundbreaking programming — programs that have stood the test of time delivering stories that continue to engage audiences and featuring iconic and timeless characters with multigenerational appeal,” Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego said.

“The award allows the Academy to honor more of television’s rich history and acknowledge the storytellers whose work has resonated with viewers and continues to entertain legions of fans around the globe,” Abrego added.

What’s The Criteria?

To qualify for the Legacy Award Emmy, a show must display sustained cultural relevance and impact. However, that alone isn’t enough: it must also have aired a minimum of 60 episodes across at least five seasons.

– A minimum of 60 episodes aired across a minimum of five seasons.

– Continued or sustained relevance, influence or inspiration:

To a genre of television.

To an existing or new audience.

To society and culture.

– Franchise properties must be considered as a whole and awarded as such.

– Award may only be bestowed on a program once, the Television Academy noted.

“About Time”

A section of show bingers and television consumers on X welcomed the news with open arms. It was about time some of the iconic series were inducted into the top-tier list.

Better Call Saul, a fan favourite and as iconic as its predecessor, Breaking Bad, has never won an Emmy despite bagging 53 nominations. It was one of the shows repeatedly mentioned on X after the addition of the Legacy Award.

“Better Call Saul [it] is finally your time of winning an Emmy,” wrote one X user.

“finally someone is doing something about the pandemic of 8 episode seasons (sic),” wrote another snarkily, suggesting that popular shows needed to go back to being slow burners instead of handing audiences instant resolution of storylines and rushed character arcs.

“And this is how we kill the three season eleven episodes television format (sic),” rejoiced a third with a dancing GIF.

“All Netflix series are out,” mocked another.

“MAKE TV LONG AGAIN.”

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Which Shows Deserve Legacy Award?

Here are some shows listed by TV consumers under Pop Base‘s viral X post.

“Breaking Bad definitely deserves it. That show changed everything for TV storytelling,” wrote one.

The Lost, anyone?

pic.twitter.com/dLsdmQz8oC

— LOST (@TheLOSTworld_) January 8, 2026

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia was among the top choices listed by audiences.

The Sopranos (1999-2007), The Office (US) (2005-2013), Modern Family (2009-2020), Grey’s Anatomy (2005-) found multiple mentions on X.

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“Hannah Montana deserves,” chimed in another. The Wire (2002-2008), with exactly five seasons and sixty episodes in its catalogue, was brought up one too many times in the online discussion.

What’s your favourite show that you think deserves the Legacy Award statuette?

Remember, 5 seasons and 60 episodes. Go!